Yamaha APXT2 Acoustic-Electric Guitar Review

The Yamaha APXT2 is much more than just a kid-friendly guitar in size, it’s an excellent practice and travel guitar. It’s definitely kin to the Yamaha APX500III, just scaled-down in size. But, how’s it going to hold up against the inevitable abuse of a child or for traveling? Let’s get into the nitty gritty!

The back and sides of the guitar are made of meranti, and it’s more cost-effective than mahogany. The top is nicely splayed with spruce, which you can see in its natural finish. However, it’s all laminate of course, it is a guitar under 200 bucks after all.

The small size guitar has a fully accessible rosewood fretboard with 21 frets and dot inlays. Its size is definitely geared towards adults with smaller hands or children wanting to make their own music groove. However, it’s quite durable and won’t be a problem hauling cross-country for traveling and practice jams.

Speaking of travel and practice, the sound projection is definitely adequate. It’s not going to give the same sonic impact as a full-size dreadnought, but it’s going to do the job. The electronics on this guitar is the ART-based preamp with a System 68 contact pickup. For pros, it’s going to be pretty basic, but beginners will appreciate the simplicity.

With Dark Red Sunburst, Natural, and Black finishes, you’ll find a finish and look that will speak to you. Music in your ears, music in your soul!

Main Advantages:

Price

3/4 size

ART-based preamp

System 68 pickup

Gig bag included

Main Drawbacks:

Laminate

Sounds like a ukulele

Buyer’s Feedback

First off, it’s a laminate-made guitar. This you should know right out of the box. It’s under 200 bucks, so you’ll need the cost-savings somewhere, got it? Second of all, it’s a 3/4 size guitar. It’s small for kids or for traveling.

The sound isn’t going to be very impressive unplugged because it’s small, get it?

If you can get past what you’ve already been informed about, then maybe you’ll appreciate what all the other happy buyers like. The scaled-down neck makes it easy for adults with smaller hands to run up and down the fretboard.

Keeping volume in check will help to eliminate feedback if you get a little crazy. Many players didn’t even need a setup out of the box. It came with good action and easy tuning with the built-in tuner.

Plus, it’s super lightweight. No lugging around an instrument that weighs as much as your toddler.

Come on now, get on the happy Yamaha band wagon too!

Alternatives to Consider

If you want the full-size version of this guitar, then consider its Thinline APX500III Guitar cousin. It’s a leap up in price point, but it’s incredibly comfortable to play and hold. It does have a cutaway, and it’s round edges combined with the thinline body makes it a marvel to wield. Keep your ears in tune and catch our full review on this yammin’ Yamaha!

Not too much above 200 bucks is the Epiphone PR-4E Acoustic Electric Guitar. It’s not a thinline guitar, but it’s definitely smaller than a standard, full-size dreadnought. Better yet, it comes as a full bundle with equipment and accessories you need to get jammin’ right away. We strummed down this guitar from top to bottom, so check out our full review on it!

Do you need even more alternatives to consider? Well, we have them for you. Check out our lineup of the top electro-acoustic guitars, there is something there for everyone!

Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Q&A

Is this a Classical Guitar?

This isn’t a classical guitar with nylon strings. This is a steel-stringed guitar, just with a smaller body than a full-size one.

How is the Sound of the Yamaha Guitar Unplugged?

As an acoustic, it’s not going to be as loud as a full-size guitar. However, it’s designed to be played comfortably while plugged in to an amp or PA system.

What is the Benefit of Spruce Top versus the Available Exotic Wood?

The exotic wood offers much more detail when it comes to showing off the wood grain. However, the spruce top offers more versatility and tonal range for players of all styles and abilities.

What is the Difference Between this APXT2 and the APX500III?

This guitar has a 3/4 size body, whereas, the APX500III has a thinline body. The other difference lies in the pickup systems. This one has the specially designed non-scalloped X-type bracing with the System 66 pickup.

Can a Strap be Attached to the Yamaha Acoustic Electric Guitar?

Yes. There are two pre-installed strap buttons on the 3/4 guitar.

Does the 3/4 Yamaha Guitar have a Pickguard?

It does not have a pickguard. You may not want to install one either since there mightn’t be enough room.

What Battery Source Powers the Tuner and Preamp?

This Yamaha guitar takes two AA batteries.

What are the Dimensions of this Yamaha 3/4 Guitar?

The scale is 22.75″ long. It measures 15″ long and 12″ wide.

Hardware/Electronics You’ll Need:

The only perk you’ll get with this guitar is an included gig bag. However, as we’ve already established, this guitar sounds awesome plugged-in versus acoustic alone. For plugging in power, you’ll need to strum by our “Must-Have Necessities Guide” to get a full list of what you’re going to need. Here’s a snippet for your benefit.

Standout Features:

Ready out of the box

Smooth playability

Lightweight

Our Verdict

To strum it up, the Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar isn’t just for kids. A lot of adults get a ton of pleasure out of playing the cheap the guitar. Plugged-in, you’ll have some great potential to make the most of your sonic impact.

If you’re a kid, you have permission to annoy the heck out of your parents with your signature grooves. Get strummin’!

While I don't have an arts degree in music, I have spent enough time around musical instruments & musicians to pass on some useful information.
When I'm not rocking out to a sick beat on my stereo, you will find me sitting on a bean bag, in the corner of my room with a guitar trying to emulate the prowess of the great Mr Eric Clapton.